"Full House" is an American sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1995 on ABC. Created by Jeff Franklin, the show follows three single men raising three young girls in San Francisco. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it became a beloved family sitcom. The original concept was "House of Comics," featuring three comedians, but it was retooled to focus on a widowed father and his daughters. The cast includes Bob Saget as Danny Tanner, John Stamos as Jesse Katsopolis, and Dave Coulier as Joey Gladstone. The show also launched the careers of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who shared the role of Michelle Tanner.
Key Takeaways:
- "Full House" started as "House of Comics" and almost had a different Danny Tanner. The show's iconic catchphrases and the Olsen twins' unique casting process are just a few of the fascinating facts behind this beloved sitcom.
- The real-life relationships and impact of "Full House" extend beyond the screen. From the show's lasting popularity to the close friendships among the cast members, the behind-the-scenes stories add depth to the show's history.
The Origins of Full House
"Full House" is a beloved American sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1995. Its journey from concept to cultural phenomenon is filled with interesting tidbits.
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The original title and concept of "Full House" was "House of Comics." Jeff Franklin, the show's creator, initially envisioned a sitcom about three stand-up comedians living together in a house.
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The pilot episode featured a different Danny Tanner. John Posey played the role in the initial pilot, but Bob Saget was cast after the pilot was re-shot.
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Jesse's last name was originally Cochran. John Stamos requested a name change to reflect his character's Greek heritage, resulting in the surname Katsopolis.
The Cast and Characters
The cast of "Full House" brought the Tanner family to life, creating memorable characters that fans still love today.
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Bob Saget played Danny Tanner, the widowed father who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse and his best friend Joey to help raise his three daughters.
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John Stamos portrayed Jesse Katsopolis, the cool and charismatic uncle who often finds himself in comedic situations.
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Dave Coulier played Joey Gladstone, the goofy and lovable uncle who frequently provides comedic relief.
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Candace Cameron Bure starred as Donna Jo Margaret "D.J." Tanner, the eldest daughter who often finds herself in teenage struggles.
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Jodie Sweetin played Stephanie Tanner, the middle child known for her quirky personality and antics.
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Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen shared the role of Michelle Tanner, the youngest daughter known for her adorable and mischievous behavior.
Production Details
Behind the scenes, "Full House" had a unique production setup that contributed to its success.
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The show had three main showrunners: Jeff Franklin (1987-1992), Marc Warren (1993-1995), and Dennis Rinsler (1993-1995).
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Production locations included Lorimar Studios in Culver City, California (1987-1993), and Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California (1993-1995).
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The show was filmed using a multi-camera setup on videotape, with each episode running 21-25 minutes.
Iconic Catchphrases
"Full House" is known for its memorable catchphrases that fans still quote today.
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"Have mercy!" was famously said by John Stamos.
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"Oh mylanta!" became a catchphrase for Candace Cameron Bure.
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"You got it, dude!" was a signature line for Dave Coulier.
The Olsen Twins
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen became household names thanks to their role as Michelle Tanner.
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The Olsen twins were chosen for the role because they were the only twin babies that didn't cry at the audition.
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Mary-Kate is left-handed, and Ashley is right-handed, which explains why Michelle often uses both hands to write and eat.
Cast Dynamics and Real-Life Relationships
The cast of "Full House" shared close relationships both on and off the set.
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Dave Coulier lived on Bob Saget's couch during his early days as a comedian, much like Joey Gladstone residing in the basement of Danny Tanner's house.
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Dave Coulier dated Alanis Morissette, and he claimed to be the inspiration for the line "I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner" in her song "You Oughta Know".
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Candace Cameron Bure and Kirk Cameron are siblings in real life. Candace missed one episode due to visiting her brother at camp.
Ratings and Popularity
Despite a rocky start, "Full House" became a massive hit.
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The show struggled in its first season but quickly gained popularity and consistently ranked in the Nielsen Top 30 from season two onward.
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"Full House" has had a lasting impact on television, launching the careers of many of its cast members and inspiring a sequel series, "Fuller House."
The Tanner Home
The iconic Tanner home is a real house in San Francisco that has become a popular tourist destination.
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The exterior shots of the Tanner home were filmed at 1709 Broderick Street in San Francisco.
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Jeff Franklin, the show's creator, purchased the house for around $4 million.
Spin-Offs and Reboots
"Full House" has inspired several spin-offs and reboots over the years.
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"Fuller House" is a sequel series that follows the widowed DJ Tanner-Fuller and her three sons as they live in her childhood home with her sister Stephanie, best friend Kimmy, and Kimmy's teenage daughter.
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Jeff Franklin mentioned the possibility of another show called "Fullest House," though the seriousness of this idea is unclear.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts
There are many interesting behind-the-scenes stories from the set of "Full House."
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Comet the Dog, a Golden Retriever, was one of the top dogs in '90s sitcoms. In one episode, Buddy the Wonder Dog, known from the movie "Air Bud," played Comet.
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Some fans have questioned how Jesse and Becky could live in the attic, given the exterior shots of the home suggest it wouldn't be big enough for a couple to live in, even temporarily.
Fan Engagement
"Full House" continues to engage fans in various ways.
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Fans rewatch episodes, visit the Tanner family's iconic home in San Francisco, and create memes out of scenes from the show.
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The show's iconic theme song, "Everywhere You Look," is still widely recognized today.
Books and Fan Fiction
The "Full House" universe extends beyond the TV screen with numerous books and fan fiction.
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There are 33 books written from Stephanie's point of view, focusing on her middle school experiences and friendships.
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There are 40 stories told from Michelle's perspective, focusing on both home life and school events. Some of these stories were even translated and published in Japan.
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Fourteen books focus on Michelle and Stephanie's friendship and comical situations that occur between them.
Real-Life Impact
The show has had a significant impact on its cast members and fans.
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John Stamos continues to have a successful acting career, while the Olsen twins have become fashion icons worth half a billion dollars.
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The show's influence can also be seen in its reboot, "Fuller House," which ran for five seasons on Netflix.
Soundstage History
The soundstage where "Full House" was filmed has a rich history in television production.
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The soundstage previously hosted groundbreaking shows like "Wonder Woman."
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After "Full House" ended its run, the soundstage was taken over by "Friends," which filmed several seasons there.
Fan Reactions
Fans of "Full House" have reacted positively to the show's impact on their lives.
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The show's wholesome and family-friendly content has made it a staple for many families.
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The show's influence can be seen in its continued popularity even after its conclusion.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories Continued
More behind-the-scenes secrets from the set of "Full House" add to its charm.
- Jodie Sweetin shared many behind-the-scenes secrets in her biography "unSweetined," including writing a story about a character who was not in the show but was mentioned by another character.
Cast Member Friendships Continued
The close friendships among the cast members extended beyond the set.
- Dave Coulier lived on Bob Saget's couch during his early days as a comedian, mirroring the on-screen relationship between Joey Gladstone and Danny Tanner.
Real-Life Relationships Continued
More real-life connections add depth to the show's history.
- Dave Coulier dated Alanis Morissette before she became famous, adding another layer to the show's real-life connections.
D.J.'s Boyfriend
Steve Weinger, who played D.J.'s boyfriend Steve Hale, had another famous role.
- Steve Weinger also voiced Aladdin in the Disney movie and reprised this role in "Fuller House."
Air Bud's Cameo
A famous dog made a special appearance on "Full House."
- Air Bud, the Golden Retriever from the movie "Air Bud," played Comet for an episode, adding another interesting fact to the show's history.
Soundstage History Continued
The soundstage where "Full House" was filmed has hosted numerous other productions.
- Its legacy continues to be felt in the television industry, hosting iconic shows like "Friends" and "Wonder Woman."
Fan Engagement Continued
Fans of "Full House" continue to engage with the show in various ways.
- They rewatch episodes, visit the Tanner family's iconic home in San Francisco, and create memes out of scenes from the show.
Cast Member Careers Continued
The show launched the careers of many of its cast members.
- John Stamos, Candace Cameron Bure, and the Olsen twins all gained significant recognition from their roles on "Full House."
Real-Life Impact Continued
The show has had a significant real-life impact on its cast members.
- John Stamos continues to have a successful acting career, while the Olsen twins have become fashion icons worth half a billion dollars.
Fan Reactions Continued
Fans of "Full House" have reacted positively to the show's impact on their lives.
- The show's wholesome and family-friendly content has made it a staple for many families.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories Continued
More behind-the-scenes secrets from the set of "Full House" add to its charm.
- Jodie Sweetin shared many behind-the-scenes secrets in her biography "unSweetined," including writing a story about a character who was not in the show but was mentioned by another character.
The Lasting Legacy of Full House
"Full House" isn't just a TV show; it's a cultural icon. From its humble beginnings as "House of Comics" to becoming a beloved family sitcom, it has left a lasting mark on television history. The show launched the careers of stars like John Stamos and the Olsen twins, while its catchphrases and memorable moments continue to resonate with fans. The Tanner family's adventures in San Francisco have inspired spin-offs, reboots, and countless fan engagements. Even today, the show's impact is felt through reruns, memes, and visits to the iconic Tanner home. "Full House" remains a cherished part of many families' viewing history, proving that its wholesome, family-friendly content will continue to entertain for generations. Its legacy is a testament to the power of good storytelling and strong character dynamics.
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